The Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Engineering Programs

One of the largest universities in the South, Auburn University hosts about 30,000 students each year. The school offers 140 majors across 13 colleges and schools, including a fully online bachelor of computer science degree completion program through its Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

Computer science majors develop skills in information technology, database management, computer network design, and network platforms. The program features 20 computer science courses, including 18 core and two elective classes. Required classes include web application development, software construction fundamentals, and mobile applications development.

Students can choose from electives on topics like computer architecture and parallel systems. Depending on their prior coursework, students may need to complete additional core courses in subjects other than computer science. The degree takes about two years to complete, with students typically taking two courses per term.

Applicants need 60 credits of prerequisite courses earned with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Prospective learners with a bachelor's degree in another field — completed with a minimum 2.5 GPA — can fast track the program. Applicants must submit official college transcripts.

One of only two land-, sea-, space-, and sun-grant universities in the U.S., Oregon State University receives more research funding than any other school in the state. OSU hosts students from around the world through over 200 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs.

The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences offers a fully online post-baccalaureate BS in computer science program, which has four start dates per year. Designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in any subject, the 60-credit program only requires computer science coursework.

The curriculum covers computer programming, mobile and web development, user interfaces, computer systems and networking, and software engineering. Students take courses like discrete structures in computer science, introduction to databases, and computer architecture and assembly language.

The curriculum also includes one required mathematics course, exploring Boolean and relational algebra, inductive proofs, and graph theory. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

A Roman Catholic school, DePaul University offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, including an online bachelor's degree in computer science that is delivered by its College of Computing and Digital Media.

This online BS in computer science degree completion program explores topics such as mobile application development, artificial intelligence, database programming, and operating systems. Courses include discrete mathematics, data structures in Java, and design and analysis of algorithms. Depending on their academic background, some students may need to take general education classes. All computer science majors complete a software capstone project during their senior year.

Applicants must hold at least 30 semester or 45 quarter transfer credits, earned with a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA. Admission criteria also include the completion of C++ or Java courses. Advisors at DePaul's Academic Success Center help students set up a personalized degree completion plan. Distance learners benefit from 24/7 access to course materials and online exam proctoring. Graduates can qualify for computer science jobs like computer programmer, software engineer, and systems analyst.

A top public research university, Florida International University offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Distance learners can earn an online computer science degree from FIU's School of Computing and Information Sciences. This fully online, four-year degree provides a foundation in computer science without the heavy emphasis on mathematics and science common among other computer science programs.

The 120-credit curriculum prepares students to apply advanced computing skills in fields like healthcare, research, and science. The program offers interactive technology, collaboration opportunities with fellow classmates, and real-time feedback from instructors. Students learn how to find solutions and strategize new approaches for using computing technology.

Core courses include software engineering, operating systems principles, and professional and technical writing for computer science. Computer science majors also take three electives and three interdisciplinary credits outside of the department. Before taking core computer science classes, students must complete prerequisites in pre-calculus and statistics for business and economics.

Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores and official high school and/or college transcripts. Transfer students with 60 or more credits do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores or high school transcripts.

A public research university, Old Dominion University offers more than 120 undergraduate and 130 graduate programs. The school's Department of Computer Science offers a fully online bachelor's in computer science. The program is offered as a full program and as a degree completion track.

Both pathways explore engineering methodology, experimental techniques, and fundamental computer science principles and practices. Students take classes like introduction to computer architecture, data structures and algorithms, and computational methods and software. The program also includes hands-on laboratory work.

Transfer students from schools in the Virginia Community College System and some other institutions receive guaranteed admission to ODU through a statewide agreement. Eligibility requirements for guaranteed admission include a minimum 2.5 GPA and at least 15 transferable credits.

Graduates can find jobs in professional software development, information security analysis, and network and database administration. They can also pursue graduate study in computer science and related fields.

As a Christian school, Regent University offers Christ-centered, on-campus and online degrees in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1978, Regent emphasizes a biblical perspective and strives to create future Christian leaders. Its College of Arts and Sciences offers a fully online BS in computer science that incorporates fundamental computer science principles grounded in Christian values.

The 120-credit program includes general education and major requirements. Courses include ethics for computer science, mobile and smart computing, and data structures and algorithms. All students must also take biblical worldview courses, including the making of the Christian mind and introduction to the Bible.

Students learn how to design and evaluate computing systems and network infrastructures, use mathematics and logic to find secure solutions, and understand database management and computer programming languages. Graduates qualify for careers in software development and engineering, data mining, and systems analysis and engineering.

This online computer science program offers eight-week courses and employs expert faculty with practical experience in the field. All online learners pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

Established in 1893 as a Christian liberal arts university, Concordia University Saint Paul offers career-focused degrees that combine a liberal arts foundation with marketable job skills. The school offers three undergraduate degrees focused on information technology and computing, including an online BS in computer science.

During seven-week courses, students learn how to use computer science to solve computing problems and design solutions. They also gain interpersonal, communication, project management, and teamwork skills. The curriculum explores data structures, virtual machines, computing practice, and software development.

The 120-credit program includes major, general education, and elective courses. Computer science majors must complete an introduction to probability and statistics course before taking major courses. Major classes include language design and implementation, computer architecture and operating systems, and introductory programming with Java.

Applicants must submit official transcripts indicating a minimum 2.0 GPA. Prospective students without any college credit who graduated from high school within the last three years must also submit ACT or SAT scores. All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of where they live. Graduates can assume roles such as software developer, computer systems analyst, and web developer. They can also pursue graduate study.

California University of Pennsylvania offers career-focused academic programs on campus and online. The university emphasizes applied and active learning, offering students opportunities for internships, research, fieldwork, and other types of hands-on learning.

The fully online, business-focused bachelor's in computer information systems is well suited for students who want to use technology to find solutions to business problems. The 120-credit degree includes classes like database management systems and design, systems project management, and concepts in enterprise resource planning. The program also offers internship and co-op job opportunities.

Learners progress through courses with the same cohort of peers throughout the program. Applicants must submit official transcripts. Prospective students who graduated from high school within the past two years must also submit SAT or ACT scores. Applicants may submit letters of recommendation and a personal essay to bolster their application.

Established in 1873, Southeast Missouri State University emphasizes experiential learning, offering internship and study abroad opportunities to all majors. The university hosts more than 145 undergraduate and 75 graduate degree tracks.

The Department of Computer Science offers a fully online BS in computer information systems that prepares students for careers in IT, development, and networking. The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security recognize the computer science department as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. This program's curriculum covers foundational computer science and information systems, business, and mathematics principles.

The 120-credit degree requires general education and major classes, including 78 credits of major core classes and 12 credits in one of the following concentrations:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Business Administration
• Cybersecurity

All students take core courses like security in data protocols, management and support systems, and ethics in the cyberworld. Students typically complete the degree in four years, but year-round classes allow students to expedite graduation. Learners may need to complete prerequisite courses in trigonometry, calculus, and English before enrolling in major classes.

Regis University offers more than 130 undergraduate and graduate programs guided by the Jesuit faith, reason, and culture. The College of Computer and Information Sciences offers an accredited BS in computer science that emphasizes social responsibility.

This online computer science degree requires 128-133 credits. Students learn to analyze complex computing problems, design computing solutions, and apply computer science theory. They also gain communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making skills. Classes include principles of programming languages, computation theory, and linear algebra.

Each online class spans eight weeks, and most full-time students graduate within 3.5 years. Learners can begin on one of six start dates each year. Regis also allows computer science majors to complete bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously, saving time and money. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a resume, and an essay.

A top-ranked institution in the Midwest, Fort Hays State University offers more than 200 online undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school's Department of Computer Science offers an online BS in computer science that prepares students to manage complex computing systems and information. Students benefit from strong faculty mentorship and individualized attention.

The 120-credit degree includes 55 general education credits and 65 major credits. Computer science courses include software engineering, introduction to web development, and database design and programming. General education requirements include courses in international studies, communication, and the humanities.

FHSU offers the most affordable four-year tuition in Kansas. The university charges all distance learners the same tuition rate, regardless of where they live, and online learners qualify for the same types of financial aid opportunities as on-campus students. Online students also receive access to academic advising, library resources, and career services.

Admission requirements include a minimum 2.0 GPA for Kansas residents or a minimum 2.5 GPA for out-of-state learners. Applicants should also have a minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 980. Alternatively, applicants may meet admission requirements by ranking in the top third of their high school class. Transfer students with at least 24 credits need a minimum 2.0 GPA in previous college coursework.

Davenport University offers career-relevant degrees in areas like business, urban education, the health professions, and technology. The first university to offer online education in Michigan, Davenport awards an online BS in computer science. This program boasts small classes with high levels of interaction. Full-time students can complete their degree in four years.

The 120-credit degree includes general education, major core, specialty area, and elective requirements. Students receive hands-on experience using state-of-the-art technology to solve practical problems. Required core classes include object-oriented programming with C+, data communications and networks, and database design. After completing core courses, computer science majors can pursue an optional specialization in one of the following areas:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture and Algorithms
• Gaming and Simulation

Students can also add a 23-credit mathematics minor to their degree.

A transfer-friendly school, Davenport offers academic credit for prior learning, including some technology certifications if students pass competency exams at Davenport's testing center.

Florida Atlantic University offers online programs taught by the same expert faculty who teach on-campus classes. The school's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an online BS in computer science that covers foundational concepts in computing, mathematics, psychology, and engineering.

The 120-credit online computer science degree includes general education, major core, and elective requirements. Students must complete 29 computer science prerequisite credits in subjects like calculus, physics, and discrete mathematics before enrolling in major core classes. Core courses include introduction to programming in C+, introduction to microprocessor systems, and formal languages and automata. Graduates can find careers related to software development, internet and web programming, and mobile systems development.

An associate degree from a regionally accredited institution fulfills the program's general education requirements. Individuals who start the program as first-year college students may need to complete some general education requirements on campus. Online students gain access to support like career services, online tutoring, and library resources.

A private university founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University offers more than 200 career-focused academic programs on campus and online. SNHU's distance education programs feature flexible schedules and expert instruction. All distance learners at SNHU pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

SNHU's fully online bachelor's in computer science covers software development and testing tools and programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. The curriculum includes courses in mobile architecture and programming, advanced programming concepts, and full stack development. Students can customize the degree to match their interests and goals by choosing from a variety of concentrations:

• Data Analysis
• Project Management for STEM
• Information Security
• Software Engineering

This transfer-friendly program accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward the 121-credit degree. Students may also receive credit for certifications awarded by organizations like Cisco, Oracle, and CompTia. The university offers computer science-related extracurricular activities and events, including the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing and National Cyber League competitions.

Founded in 1881 as a teacher training school, Dakota State University now offers diverse undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The school's College of Computer and Cyber Sciences offers 19 certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs.

Distance learners can earn a fully online bachelor's in computer science that emphasizes the conceptual and technical design of computer systems and programs. Students learn about computer systems, programming techniques, data structures, and computer architectures. Computer science majors can choose from the following specializations to tailor the degree to match their goals and interests:

• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

The program also lets learners complete additional electives in lieu of a specialization. Students complete general education, major core, major support, specialization, and elective courses. Core courses include object-oriented design, advanced data structures, and information security management. Some computer science majors may qualify for DSU's 4+1 program, which allows students to earn a bachelor's and master's in computer science in just five years.

Troy University started as a teacher training school in 1887. Today, the university boasts more than 260 undergraduate and graduate programs, including 71 online degree tracks hosted by Troy Online. The fully online BS in applied computer science offers five start dates per year and includes nine-week terms.

The 120-credit program includes general education, major, major elective, free elective, and minor courses. The program requires students to complete at least one 18-credit minor. Computer science classes include data structures and algorithms, web-based software development, and data communications and networking.

Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA and a score of at least 20 on the ACT or 1030 on the SAT for unconditional admission. Applicants can receive conditional admission with a minimum 2.0 GPA and a score of at least 17 on the ACT or 910 on the SAT. Prospective students over the age of 25 do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores.

All distance learners pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Online students gain access to library services, online tutoring, 24/7 technical support, online proctoring services, academic advising, and career services. Online learners also receive access to Microsoft Office 365 at no extra cost.

A comprehensive Catholic institution, Lewis University serves about 6,500 students each year. The school's Lasallian heritage contributes to its values-centered curriculum and emphasis on community in teaching and learning. Lewis offers a fully online, accelerated bachelor's in computer science that prepares students for careers as software developers, network engineers, and security engineers.

The 128-credit degree includes 49 major credits. Students learn to use programming languages like Javascript, Python, and Ruby; design reliable computer networks; and use machine learning and artificial intelligence to understand big data. Core computer science classes include discrete mathematics, legal and ethical issues in computing, and algorithms and data structures. Students also complete a six-credit capstone sequence to explore software engineering, enterprise networking, and research in computer science.

This flexible, asynchronous program gives learners 24/7 access to course materials. Individuals can also participate in student organizations like the Prometheon Technology Club and a student chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery. Students with a minimum 3.5 GPA and at least 64 credits can join the Upsilon Pi Epsilon National Honors Society.

Established almost 30 years before Arizona became a state, ASU began as a teaching institution with fewer than 35 students in 1886. Based in Tempe, Arizona, ASU now offers undergraduate and graduate programs to almost 100,000 students from six campuses.

ASU offers an online bachelor of science in software engineering through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. The degree includes 120 credit hours of coursework that prepares students to enter computing careers or continue to graduate study. Learners gain proficiencies applicable to jobs as computer programmers, software developers, computer systems administrators, and mobile app and video game developers.

Students complete general education coursework in conjunction with field-specific classes, including 45 credit hours of upper-division classes such as:

• Software enterprise: personal process and quality
• Software enterprise: design and process
• Software enterprise: construction and transmission
• Software enterprise: inception and elaboration
• Software enterprise: project and process management

The software enterprise courses provide comprehensive training in software development. The personal process and quality class introduces students to principles of software development and professionalism in the discipline, while the design and process course emphasizes user-centered design, design patterns, and design constraints. Construction and transmission coursework highlights best practices in team software development, and the inception and elaboration class provides students with hands-on experience launching and analyzing software project activities. The final software course in project and process management builds managerial and leadership skills within the software process.

The online software engineering degree also includes two semesters of capstone coursework during which learners design and implement a project using competencies developed through previous classes.

With a main campus in Pullman, Washington, WSU also provides academic programs to students at locations in Spokane, Vancouver, Tri-Cities, Everett, and online. Founded in 1890, WSU was Washington’s first land-grant university.

Offered through WSU’s Everett campus, the software engineering bachelor’s degree includes hybrid coursework learners can complete in 2.5 years. Designed as a completion program, the degree pools instructional resources from WSU’s main campus in Pullman, online coursework through the Global Campus program, and lecture and laboratory on-campus offerings at WSU Everett.

Applicants to the online bachelor’s in software engineering degree completion program must complete the prerequisite 26 credit hours of coursework in calculus, linear algebra, economics, programming languages, and English with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Coursework within the program builds on these foundations by focusing on software engineering principles, design and architecture, and construction and maintenance. Some example courses include:

• Software requirements
• Mobile application development
• Web development

The software requirement course emphasizes procedural aspects of software lifecycles by exploring aspects of analysis, specificiation, and validation of software requirements. Classes in mobile application and web development train in unique aspects of language, scripting, and consuming applications in different contexts. With additional coursework in programming language design, computer science, object-oriented software principles, and database systems, the comprehensive program trains students to work as software developers and engineers, project managers, quality assurance professionals, and software requirement engineers.

With a history tracing back to 1888, BYU-Idaho today is the largest private university in Idaho. From its 430-acre campus in Rexburg, Idaho, BYU-Idaho offers more than 100 academic programs infused with values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide, BYU-Idaho provides more than 15,000 online students access to nearly 40 online certificate and degree programs, including an online bachelor’s in software engineering.

BYU-Idaho offers an online bachelor of science in software engineering to prepare students for careers in software development, computer systems design, and software engineering. The 120-credit degree includes 40 credit hours of foundations courses, 26 elective credit hours, and 54 credit hours of major coursework. Some notable major courses include:

• Data structures
• Technical communication
• Human-computer interaction

The program’s data structures course builds on computer science fundamentals by introducing algorithmic concepts, while the technical communication class prepares students to write, present, and communicate ideas, findings, and reports to technical and nontechnical audiences alike. Human-computer interaction coursework guides students through the lifecycle of a user interface project.

Additional coursework in computer security, software design and development, operating systems, and project management accompanies an internship and senior project course as well. During the internship, learners apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills under the supervision of a software engineering professional. The senior project includes an individual or group activity during which students demonstrate degree competencies through research and reporting on an issue related to the field.

Established as St. Vincent’s College in 1898, DePaul received official charter in 1907. With a name honoring St. Vincent de Paul, founder of the Mission of France, DePaul continues to serve his legacy by infusing Catholic and Vincentian principles throughout its academic programs and institutional community. DePaul has two locations in Chicago, Illinois, and offers upwards of 300 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 22,000 students.

DePaul offers an online bachelor of computer science degree with concentrations in game systems and software development. The bachelor’s in computer science in software development comprises 198 credit hours that students can complete in four years. Liberal studies classes are completed in conjunction with introductory and advanced major coursework. Introductory major classes in Java for programmers, introduction to human-computer interaction, web development, and applied networks and security build foundational knowledge needed for advanced classes such as:

• Automata theory and formal grammars
• Data analysis and regression
• User interface development for interactive systems
• Real-time networking

The automata theory and formal grammars class gives students access to abstract models of computation and their applications, while coursework in data analysis and regression develops competencies in residual analysis, analysis of variance, and logistic regression. User interface development for interactive systems prepares students to develop graphical user interfaces for web and desktop applications, and real-time networking coursework explores issues related to performance-based networking.

Students enrolled in the online bachelor’s in computer science with a software development concentration at DePaul may not double-major in game programming, information technology, and mathematics and computer science. Similarly, learners may not minor in computer science and information technology.

Hodges offers more than 30 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs from its Fort Myers, Naples, and virtual campuses. Founded in 1990, Hodges also provides ESL, certificate-embedded, military-friendly, and accelerated programs.

The online bachelor of science in software development comprises 120 credit hours and builds proficiency in computer information systems essentials. The degree integrates fundamental knowledge of computer programming languages and concepts with practical skills in software design, development, and implementation. The program also emphasizes practical and theoretical aspects of business.

Offered through the Fisher School of Technology, the online software engineering degree incorporates classes from two areas of focus: The first area emphasizes general education classes in mathematics, writing, and social science, and the second area focuses on software development through comprehensive computer information technology, software development, and business classes. Notable courses include:

• Organizational applications of social media and collaborative technologies
• Internet applications programming and databases
• E-commerce

The organizational applications of social media and collaborate technologies class explores the capabilities of modern web-based tools to build understanding of their potential, limitations, and continued use. Internet applications programming and databases coursework prepares students to use common web-based systems, and the e-commerce class builds knowledge of theories and practices of conducting business across electronic platforms.

Students also study advanced computer applications, project management, personal finance, and programming languages prior to completing a systems analysis and solutions architecture capstone class. The capstone course combines business and technical aspects of the curriculum to emphasize security performance, maintenance, and integration of applications, data models, and conceptual and logical designs.

Founded as a Methodist seminary in 1857, UIU currently offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs to over 5,200 students annually. UIU serves students from its main campus in Fayette, an international partner location, online, and an additional 21 locations within the United States.

The online bachelor of science in software engineering at UIU comprises 120 credit hours, 80 of which focus on the development, operation, and maintenance of software. Core classes required for the major include:

• Software testing, validation, and verification
• Computer architecture

The software testing, validation, and verification class introduces students to testing techniques, principles, and practices, while computer architecture coursework builds understanding of representing data and logical manipulation of data.

The curriculum emphasizes mathematics through six courses in geometry, calculus, and statistics alongside programming, database and information management, and operating systems coursework. During the capstone sequence, students develop a project related to a software system problem and apply knowledge gained from coursework to the development, design, implementation, and quality assurance aspects of the activity.

Students also complete nine credit hours in one of two primary focus areas: visualization and graphics or informatics. The visualization and graphics focus includes coursework in linear algebra, applications of visualization techniques, and visualization and graphics. The informatics track emphasizes statistics, informatics and knowledge engineering, and big data processing, warehousing, and data mining.

Established in 1875, Park offers academic programs from a plethora of locations that include its flagship Parkville campus, online, and an additional 41 locations throughout the state of Missouri. With more than 90 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate offerings, Park meets the needs of almost 16,300 students each year.

The online bachelor of science in information and computer science at Park offers five concentrations, including one in software development. The software development focus builds understanding of both business and design aspects of information and computer science. Students complete 40 credit hours of general education classes and 21 credit hours of major coursework that introduces programming, computer networking, information systems, and data management fundamentals. Software development focus classes include:

• User interface design
• Information security

Coursework in user interface design emphasizes the user experience across numerous electronic platforms. Students learn to take human factors, intuitive design, feedback, and consistency into consideration as they build websites with various tools. The information security class introduces students to legal and ethical considerations related to information security from both technological and managerial perspectives. Students study risk identification and management, security planning and testing, cryptography, and information system maintenance.

Park’s online bachelor’s in information and computer science with a concentration in software development fosters problem-solving and critical thinking skills applicable to the use of numerous computer technologies. Students build proficiencies for careers in web and application programming, software engineering, and database management and analysis.

Champlain, located in Burlington, Vermont, boasts a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Founded as a for-profit postsecondary school in 1878, Champlain now functions as a private, nonprofit institution and offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in over 80 subject areas.

Champlain’s online bachelor of science in software development comprises 120 credit hours. Students complete 57 general education credit hours and 63 credit hours of professional courses. Notable professional classes include:

• Cloud computing security
• Relational database design and SQL

The cloud computing security class introduces students to concepts, protocols, and standards for implementing corporate and personal cloud computing security. Relational database design and SQL coursework emphasizes models of relational structures, entity relationship diagrams, and normalization in database objects. Students also study structured query language while assessing case studies and gaining practical diagramming experience.

The bachelor in software development curriculum also includes classes in financial accounting, financial systems management, and project management essentials to prepare learners for roles in business and technical settings. The program uses standards and behaviors set by the Project Management Institute and prepares students for careers as applications and software systems developers, information technology project managers, and software engineers.

Classes are offered in seven- and 15-week formats, and Champlain allows students to transfer up to 90 credit hours into the program. Students may receive transfer credits for prior college coursework, work-life experience, and professional training.

With a 300-acre campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, SNHU offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs through six colleges and schools. Founded in 1932, SNHU currently offers online degrees and credentials to more than 80,000 students.

SNHU offers an online bachelor of science in computer science degree with an emphasis in software engineering that introduces students to concepts and principles of the discipline through 19 credit hours of core classes, 39 credit hours of major courses, 42 general education credit hours, and elective options.

Core classes include fundamentals of computer science, application development, physics, calculus, and SQL. Major coursework builds proficiencies in software development, design, testing, and analysis through courses such as the software development lifecycle, collaboration and team projects, fundamentals of data mining, and operating environments. Students also complete a computer science capstone during their final semester as a culminating experience that allows them to integrate knowledge and skills from the program into an approved programming project.

Software development concentration classes include 12 credit hours:

• Emerging systems architectures and technologies
• Mobile architecture and programming
• Secure coding
• Software reverse engineering

The emerging systems architectures and technologies course offers an in-depth look at performance, interface, analysis, and impact of software architectures. Mobile architecture and programming coursework builds skills in analyzing, evaluating, and implementing mobile computing principles while assessing issues of design, communication, and security in the field. The secure coding class and the software reverse engineering course focus on techniques, strategies, and principles of secure software development and management.

SCSU sits on a 100-acre campus in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 14,000 students. Founded in 1869, SCSU transitioned from a teaching institution to a comprehensive university that now houses six colleges and schools.

SCSU’s online bachelor of science in software engineering serves as a degree completion program. Designed for working adults with two- or four-year degrees in the field or with extensive information technology and computer software experience, the online software engineering degree trains learners to work within application domains, develop and deliver software, and apply theories, models, and techniques to the software lifecycle.

The online software engineering degree comprises 122 credit hours. Students complete 40 credit hours of liberal arts coursework and 75 credit hours of program-related coursework. Required program classes emphasize mathematics, computer science, and software engineering fundamentals. Through 25 credit hours of software engineering electives, learners gain additional understanding and proficiency of topics within the field. Notable classes include:

• Data mining for software engineers
• Game development
• Computer animation and visualization

Data mining coursework prepares learners to extract and assess information from large data sets. Students explore data mining concepts and techniques while learning to assess patterns, measures, and models. The game development class explores game design teams, processes, scripting, programming, and data structures, and computer animation and visualization coursework emphasizes data representation, motion capture technologies, and optimization and physical animation techniques.

The software engineering curriculum meets the criteria of the software development industry based on ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Education Knowledge documentation. Learners gain competencies to pursue careers as computer and information systems managers, software architects, software analysts, and systems software professionals.

Founded in 1966, BU reaches over 9,000 students each year and offers degrees and certificates through four colleges. All bachelor degree students complete classes that highlight the importance of active citizenship through the institution’s Kirkpatrick Signature Series.

BU’s synchronous online bachelor of science in software engineering program comprises 127 credit hours. Students complete 36 credit hours of general education requirements alongside 36 credit hours of major and 55 credit hours of elective coursework. Major classes emphasize computer software fundamentals and business principles and practices. Required courses include:

• Web scripting
• Business telecommunications
• Server-side scripting with Ruby on Rails

BU’s web scripting class explores web tools used to design and create websites while emphasizing vendor-neutral web standards. Business telecommunications coursework assesses technical principles of telecommunications and computer networks as they apply to challenges and issues facing business communication resources. The course in server-side scripting with Ruby on Rails trains students to write web-based scripts using the Ruby programming language within the Rails framework.

Additional classes in programming, networking, project management, and information security provide students a comprehensive understanding of software design, building, and maintenance. The curriculum aligns with the CompTIA Project+ certification, preparing learners to effectively develop software and web-based applications, apply analysis and design concepts, and demonstrate written and verbal communication skills.

Applicants to the software development bachelor’s program must have an associate degree, a minimum of 60 credit hours, or one year of computer programming experience for admission.

Established in 1909 (two years after Oklahoma became a state), RSU began as a preparatory institution and was later restructured as a military academy. Today, RSU offers academic programs to more than 4,600 learners from its main campus in Tulsa along with sites in Claremore, Bartlesville, Pryor, and via its online platform.

RSU’s online bachelor of science in information technology offers three tracks: computer network administration, game development, and software development and multimedia. The software development and multimedia concentration explores object-oriented technology, software engineering, mobile and web application development, and the evolution of modern technologies. Learners develop knowledge and skills applicable to careers in web and computer programming, systems analysis, and software engineering.

The 124-credit online bachelor in software development comprises general education classes in communications, science and mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and global studies alongside core coursework. Program core requirements include programming, data modeling, introduction to networking, and systems analysis. Coursework within the software development and multimedia option includes 12 credit hours of classes such as:

• Multimedia development
• Emerging technologies

Multimedia development coursework explores image manipulation, animation, audio and video creation, and streaming media technologies. The emerging technologies course assesses how technology affects individuals, groups, and society while simultaneously looking at the role technology plays in the workplace. The program also includes a capstone during which learners integrate degree knowledge and participate in a practical group project. Students also have the option to combine the computer network administration and software development and multimedia options through 24 credit hours of concentration classes.

As one of eight schools within the University of Maine System, UMA provides undergraduate degrees and certificate programs from its main campus in Bangor as well as online. Established in 1965 as an extension of the University of Maine campus, UMA became a separate institution in 1971.

The online bachelor of science in computer information systems at UMA offers concentrations in information systems security, networking, data science, web development, and software development. The 87 credit hours of program major courses emphasize principles of business and management while providing students fundamental knowledge of programming, data structures, web and mobile application development, and information security. Within the software development specialization, students complete additional programming language classes in Visual Basic, Java, C++, C#, and .NET alongside notable classes such as:

• Software quality assurance
• Principles of human computer interaction and user design

Software quality assurance coursework trains learners to monitor the software engineering process and introduces methods to ensure quality. Students also examine configuration and build management within the software production process. The principles of human computer interaction and user design course explores how users interact with computers by looking at visual, audio, and tactile aspects of software and web development.

Learners also complete an internship by working within an organization to solve a problem related to information systems technology. The 121-credit online bachelor’s in computer information systems with a concentration in software development degree prepares learners for careers as program analysts, project managers, and web designers.

MGA hosts more than 8,000 students and offers academic programs from five campuses in Georgia as well as online. The university traces its origins to the establishment of New Ebenezer College in 1884. After closing in 1898, the University of Georgia opened a branch campus on the grounds of Ebenezer, an institution that later transitioned to a stand-alone university called Macon State College. The merger of Macon State College and Middle Georgia College in 2012 resulted in a new school — MGA.

MGA’s online bachelor of science in information technology program offers seven degree tracks, including a concentration in software engineering. The 120-credit program comprises 42 credit hours of general education coursework in English, mathematics, humanities, social science, and science and technology. Major classes in information technology, computer programming, application development, network essentials, and web development build fundamentals needed for concentration-specific classes. Students also complete major classes in project management, systems analysis and design, information security, and database principles.

Students complete 30 credit hours of software engineering concentration courses, including:

• Robot programming
• Data communications
• Software testing and quality assurance

The robot programming class explores principles and techniques of programming autonomous robots with a focus on cognitive behavior and motion. Data communications coursework explores theories, models, practices, and performances of networks while building practical knowledge of protocol suites, error detection, and quality of service. The software testing and quality assurance course blends topics related to information security, software inspection, system improvement, and defect prevention.

Originally established in 1947 as the College of Special and Continuation Studies, a branch of the University of Maryland’s College of Education, UMUC was the first university to provide faculty for overseas education of active-duty military personnel. As one of 12 degree-granting institutions within the University of Maryland System, UMUC provides undergraduate and graduate programs to almost 90,000 learners at locations around the world and online.

UMUC’s online bachelor of science in software development and security degree comprises 120 credits and includes general education classes in academic writing, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, computing, and physical sciences. Learners complete 33 credit hours of major coursework with notable classes including:

• Mitigating software vulnerabilities
• Secure programming in the cloud
• Current trends and projects in computer science

The mitigating software vulnerabilities course provides students with in-depth analysis and evaluation of vulnerability detection and mitigation practices. Secure programming in the cloud coursework allows learners to gain hands-on experience designing, building, and assessing cloud applications. Current trends and projects in computer science serves as a capstone course and provides an overview of computer technologies with a focus on integrating concepts, practical competencies, and critical thinking skills gained throughout the program. Students research, plan, conduct, and complete a computer-related project, participating in team-building exercises and peer reviews.

The program also includes 46 credit hours of elective coursework; students can tailor their curriculum further through this requirement or apply transfer credits. UMUC allows learners to transfer as many as 90 credit hours into the program.

UMUC’s online bachelor’s in software development and security prepares learners for technical and managerial roles in software analysis, systems and application development, information security, and software engineering.